ITW Switches' new rugged access control keypads

April 29, 2008
ActiveMetal keypads feature touch-thru metal technology with no moving parts

Buffalo Grove, Ill. -- Featuring unique product advantages including touch-sensitive activation, weather/water/dust resistance, raised sculpted keys with permanent markings, and solid metal vandal-proof construction, the "Next Generation" of access control keypads has been announced by ITW Switches, a unit of Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

The announcement of the innovative new ActiveMetal keypads -- available in both 12-key (3x4) and 16-key (4x4) configurations -- was made at the ISC West international security trade exposition in Las Vegas, Nev. The new ActiveMetal keypads are ideal for indoor/outdoor access control, kiosks and point-of-sale, security and alarm systems, keyless entry points, gas pumps, ATMs, medical and clean rooms, prisons and secured facilities, and many more industrial/commercial/retail applications.

Additional, leading-edge advantages of the new keypad series include solid-state electronics, diagnostic and real-time feedback, washable/submersible performance, and a lifetime product warranty. None of these features is available in existing keypad devices. Other advantages range from a choice of three output options (matrix, serial RS232, or Wiegand), electrical box/panel/under-panel mounting, auxiliary output for camera or lighting activation, and two customer controlled LEDs.

Rated to operate from -40 C. to +85 C., the new keypads excel environmentally. They are unaffected by vibration and humidity, meet or exceed IP-x6, NEMA 4x, IP68 ingress, and are rated at +9 to +24 VDC at 50mA (max). In addition to the three outputs and two LED indicators, an auxiliary port at +30 VDC and 100mA (max) is provided for additional power connections. Drop, Shock, Impact, Vibration as well as UL Testing (UL-294) is currently being conducted and the results are expected shortly.

ITW's "ActiveMetal" is a unique, extremely rugged touch-thru metal switch technology that eliminates the need for moving parts and infinitely extends component life. ActiveMetal switches offer virtually unlimited life and cannot be compromised by water, heat, chemicals, or even repeated blows from a heavy object.

Operationally, ActiveMetal technology has its basis in trapped acoustic resonance combined with rugged metal housings. A finger -- or even a thickly gloved, protected hand -- touching the front of the switch dampens the vibration.

As versatile as they are cutting-edge, ActiveMetal switches have virtually unlimited life, are not affected by ESD and RFI / EMI (when mounted), and operate at temperatures from -40C. to +85C.. Input/output configurations are available as 5VDC Input/Digital Output; 5VDC Input/Open Collector Output; and 10-24VDC Input/Open Collector Output.

For detailed specifications on the unique, new ActiveMetal keypads, contact Candy Banks, National Distribution Sales Manager, ITW Switches, 2550 Millbrook Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; [email protected]; telephone (voice) 800.544.3354 and (fax) 847.876.9440.

ITW Switches manufactures a wide variety of proprietary, standard, and custom electrical switches - pushbutton, rocker, paddle, slide, leaf, snap-action, and sealed - for worldwide markets including industrial equipment, transportation, military, aerospace, and computer products. ISO 9001:2000 certified and headquartered near Chicago, the company has two other facilities worldwide in Portsmouth, England, and Taiwan, Republic of China.